How would you like to move out of your office cubicle job and get on the road to a new career with fantastic benefits. To get started, take a look at these four steps to help get you started working as a truck driver. Four steps? It’s okay… it’s not that bad! Trucking can be a seriously awesome job, but many people have a false negative stereotype of what the lifestyle is really like. If you’re already considering a truck driving job or maybe if you’re just getting started, check out these four steps to hitting the road:
1. Finish high school or get your equivalence degree or GED.
It’s not completely written in stone that you must have a diploma, but it will absolutely only help you. While not required by all companies, it will set you apart and place you a cut above other applicants and can only help you.
2. Make sure you keep a clean driving record.
Parking tickets? Sure, not a problem. Reckless driving? That could be a problem. For trucking companies to trust you with their freight and transports, they are going to have to be completely confident that you can move it from Tennessee to Texas without incident. Having lots of traffic violations or even a conviction for DUI will most likely keep you from working for most companies.
3. Get your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
There are many federal guidelines which list CDL requirements, but every state has unique rules. You will need to verify with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) what those specific laws are in your unique area. You will also most likely need to pass a written exam covering equipment and laws in you area, show off your driving ability, and complete a pre-drive inspection of your vehicle. The best and quickest way to do this is to enroll in a driving school (Like the TLD Training School.
4. Pass the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation (FMCSR) exam.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation exam includes both a challenging written and then also a physical (hearing and vision) element, and you will be required to pass both. Once you have completed the written exam you will never have to do it again, but you’ll need to pass the physical once every two years.